By JARROD POTTER
EFL – Round 10
PUTTING a fortnight’s worth of bad form behind them, Noble Park cast aside its demons in a 34-point triumph over Vermont.
After losing to Balwyn and almost suffering a shock-upset against low-lying Lilydale, Noble Park ensured this week would start with a bang.
Winning the contested ball and roosting it long to the forwards, Ziggie Alwan took the non-mark of the year in the first term – ruled a push in the back to the outcry of Noble Park fans across the ground. From there Vergim Faik (2 goals) booted the Bulls well clear as the visitors creating a happy hunting ground in the Vermont hills.
Up front, down back or anywhere in between, the Bulls had the wood over the Eagles and ensured a 35-point half-time advantage would not be squandered.
While Vermont never went away, the Eagles struggled to match pace with the fleet-footed Bulls when it counted most.
The icing on the cake was pipped out from a usual forward duo – Kyle Martin (4 goals) and Shayne Allan (2 goals) – but the biggest celebration was saved for the biggest Bull of all.
Glen Manson sunk his slipper into a monster barrel, flying through the uprights for a rare goal for the Noble Park ruckman, to give his side the unbeatable advantage late in the clash.
The Bearded Wonder was engulfed by team mates as he did a lap of honour, pumping his fists and revving up the crowd.
Newly anointed defender Brett Dore shone at full-back – as he returns to full form following an ankle injury – while Shane Valenti, Dan Keely and Stewart Kemperman all featured prominently in the Bulls most satisfying 2015 win yet.
“The pressure around the contest was outstanding today (Saturday) and we didn’t fall away,” Noble Park coach Mick Fogarty said.
“Last couple of weeks we probably haven’t been great in that area, Balwyn exposed us at Noble Park and last week – full credit to Lilydale – was a struggle.
“It was a real focus… we had a few question marks over our ability to compete against the top sides and today showed we certainly can.”
Sitting 8-2 just after the half-way stage of the season is a dream start for the Bulls and Fogarty is pleased with his side’s standing after 10 rounds.
“If you told me we’d be 8-2 at the start of the year, I’d take that every day of the week absolutely,” Fogarty said.
“And to knock off a quality side like Vermont who are travelling really well this year, it’s a really good start.”
The win pushed Noble Park back up to second on the EFL Division-1 ladder. The Bulls will now host East Ringwood on Saturday.
EFL SCOREBOARD
VERMONT 2.2 2.2 5.3 10.4 (64)
NOBLE PARK 2.4 7.7 10.8 14.14 (98)
Vermont Goals: J. Perry 4, M. Davis 2, A. Parker, C. McCafferty, A. Ellis, K. Emley. Best: J. Perry, G. McCarthy, A. Ellis, S. Anson, K. Staples, B. Dinneen.
Noble Park Goals: K. Martin 4, Z. Alwan 2, V. Faik 2, S. Allan 2, S. Valenti 2, T. Cody, G. Manson. Best: S. Valenti, B. Dore, D. Keely, S. Kemperman, M. Johnston, K. Martin.
